Race track death smash - passenger killed and two hurt in high-speed German crash

A HALIFAX man was killed and two others injured in a horrifying high-speed car crash in Germany.

Jon Thomas, 35, lost his life when the Renault Clio in which he was a back-seat passenger spun off the Nordschleife section of Nurburgring race track at the weekend.

It is thought that Mr Thomas, a karate teacher in Halifax, died at the scene after being thrown from the vehicle as it rolled over.

His friends, Michael Quinn, who was the driver, and Adam Robinson, who was in the front passenger seat, both suffered head injuries, though they are not thought to be serious.

The trio, all from Halifax, had travelled out to Germany to drive the famous circuit, which is open to members of the public at specific times of the year.

It is thought that the car skidded on a damp rumble strip, which marks the edge of the track around corners, and rolled several times before coming to a halt.

All three men were airlifted to hospital.

Mr Quinn and Mr Robinson are expected to return to the UK tomorrow, while a post mortem was being carried out on Mr Thomas in Germany yesterday.

It is estimated that as many as 10 people die as a result of crashing at the Nurburgring every year, with a fatality reported just last week.

Users of a Nurburgring message board posted messages of sorrow and sympathy following news of the smash.

One poster said: “I was only talking to Jon last week. He was a top bloke and a black belt at karate.

“He taught in Halifax and there are a lot of really devastated people. He will be deeply missed in the community.”

Another said: “Another crash... RIP and thoughts to family for a sad loss,” while someone else added: “Horrible news. When you’ve been there and hear there’s been an accident, you just feel sick to your stomach with dread.”